Discover people named Maria Pereira Silva

The last name Pereira Silva has its origins in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in Portugal and Spain, where it is derived from the word "pereira," meaning "pear tree" in Portuguese and Galician. This surname likely indicated a geographical feature or a family that lived near a pear orchard, reflecting the agrarian lifestyle of the region during the Middle Ages. The addition of "Silva," which means "forest" or "wood" in Latin, further emphasizes a connection to nature, suggesting that the bearers of the name may have been associated with wooded areas or rural occupations. Variations of the surname can be found across different cultures, including "Pereira" alone, which is common in Portuguese-speaking countries, and "Pereyra" in Spanish-speaking regions. The name may also appear with slight spelling variations, such as "Pereira da Silva," which combines both elements to denote lineage or geographical origin. Overall, Pereira Silva reflects a rich cultural heritage tied to the natural landscape and the historical occupations of its bearers.